In an effort to encourage more young Tennessean readers to consider one of many technical careers, TBR – The College System of Tennessee, along with Tennessee College of Applied Technology Hohenwald, has premiered an original children's book entitled "Let's Explore Technical Careers." The 32 page book features Tommie and Tammie T-CAT as they visit various career professionals for career day at school.   

Tennessee, like much of the nation, has experienced a shortage of skilled workers in recent years with a high demand for more nurses, computer technicians, welders and other various technical fields. 

The fun rhyming book, written for children 4-8 years old, features brother and sister T-Cat duo, whose class at school is discussing careers. Through colorful original artwork and accompanying rhyming text, the pair go about talking with various career professionals about their careers. Along the way, they meet a farmer, a nurse, builders, a robotics technician, an aviation mechanic, and many more.

The local Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) are distributing the books in their local areas across the state, offering copies to schools, libraries and other organizations. Technical education training programs for all the careers featured in the book can be found at the public technical colleges.

 "We are so excited to offer this fun, engaging way for children to begin imagining themselves in the many possible technical careers out there," said Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. "I believe young readers will enjoy following Tommie and Tammie on their explorations, and parents may find it's a great conversation starter.

"Asking children what they want to be when they grow up has long been a favorite exercise," Dr. Tydings said. "Our hope is this book will give children a look at some career choices they may not have heard of before."

Kelli Kea-Carroll, TCAT Hohenwald President, helped distribute "Let's Explore Technical Careers" to the second grade classes of Lewis County Elementary School.